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 Illinois Central Railroad Steam LocomotivesThe classifications given by railroads to their steam locomotive fleets were as varied as the machines themselves with several different designations within a particular class! Illinois Central Railroad steam locomotives were likewise distinguished by a wide range of numerical classes, a bit from the norm when most lines categorized their fleets by letters. In any event, the information here is most certainly not a complete, all-time listing of the IC's steam fleet and also is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the railroad.
The IC operated several different types of steam locomotives including 2-8-4 Berkshires, 2-10-2 Santa Fes, and 2-6-6-2 heavy articulateds. While there are currently none in operation several IC steamers survive, including two 4-8-2 Mountains. The IC's Class 10 included its fleet of 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers. These classes designated IC's fleet of 0-6-0 switchers. These classes designated IC's fleet of 2-6-0 Moguls. The IC's Class 541 included its fleet of 2-6-0 Moguls. The IC's Class 640 included its fleet of 4-8-0 Twelve-Wheelers. These classes designated IC's fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations.
These classes designated IC's fleet of 4-6-2 Pacifics. These classes designated IC's fleet of 4-4-2 Atlantics. The IC's Class 1427 included its unique 2-4-6T. These classes designated IC's roster of 2-6-4Ts. These classes designated IC's roster of 2-8-2 Mikados. These classes designated IC's roster of 4-8-2 Mountains. The IC's Class 2499 was its only roster of 4-6-4 Hudsons. These classes designated IC's roster of 2-10-2 Santa Fes. These classes designated IC's roster of 0-8-0 switchers. The IC's Class 3600 was its only roster of 0-10-0 switchers. The IC's Class 3610 was its only roster of 2-10-0 Decapods. The IC's Class 3650 was its only roster of 0-8-2 switchers. The IC's Class 6000 was its only roster of 2-6-6-2 heavy articulateds. These classes designated IC's roster of 2-8-4 Berkshires.
For more reading and history on the IC consider Illinois Central Railroad from Tom Murray and published by Motor Books International (MBI has published numerous railroad books on a wide range of topics covered, and overall they do a very good job with books that are reasonably priced). The book gives a general history of the IC and includes several photographs, many in color. If you have any kind of interest in the IC you should very much enjoy this publication. Also consider Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive by author J. Parker Lamb. As the name implies the book details the earliest history of steam engine technology, even before it was used in railroad applications. His book later explores the development of steam locomotive technology in the United States from the 19th through the 20th centuries, covering not only the most popular steam locomotive designs but also the most successful manufactures to build them. The book has received excellent reviews and is a great resource on steam locomotives and a fine reference tool; you should find it very useful. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.
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